We first discovered U.S. comic David Huntsberger on the excellent podcast Professor Blastoff, where he discussed the big questions in science, philosophy, art and psychology with fellow comedians Tig Notaro and Kyle Dunnigan. With his debut Fringe hour, David looks to continue that exploration of big ideas by asking how we got here and what other worlds might exist between our physical existences.

Australian Hannah Gasdby has long produced intricate shows that tackle tough subjects in a witty, warm way. With this year’s effort Hannah looks to have taken things to a new level, winning huge acclaim and Best Show at the Melbourne comedy festival for a show that takes a very personal look at growing up while tackling homophobia.

Sarah’s Australian trilogy of compelling stories from her teenage years in Australia must have been among the impressive shows in recent Edinburgh Festivals. This year Sarah’s show is more of a compendium of short, linked tales that still manage to be as heartfelt and funny as anything she’s done before.

A new act to us, but another Australian who had major success at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, receiving a nomination for Best Show for an hour of storytelling that explores the many quirks her home country has to offer.

A legend of comedy podcasting in the U.S., Andy Daly is a must-see for anyone who has enjoyed his menagerie of misfits and nonsense-merchants he portrays on Comedy Bang Bang. We are very excited for this one.

Comedy Bang Bang fans will also be familiar with James Admonian, whose oeuvre of oddballs includes Jesse Ventura, Tom Leykis and Huell Howser. He’s more than just funny voices though, with a show that promises to explore “the twin nightmares of politics and pop culture from a queer – and distinctly weird – point of view”.

A young but fast-rising Australian comic who picked up the So You Think You’re Funny Award on her Fringe debut in 2013. She’s back with a show where she introduces the world to Gavin, a 46-year-old trapped in his basement.

2016 was a breakthrough year for this confident, frank comedian from New York who regularly packed out the top of her bus venue for a compelling show about sex, drugs, body image and religion. She’s back on the bus this year, so we’d advise booking tickets early.